Cuba Merry Christmas Feliz Navidad

Cuba Approximately 90 miles south of Key West (southern tip of Florida).

History… For many years Christmas celebrations were frowned upon and in 1969 the Cuban government imposed an outright ban on this cherished holiday. But before that, my friend? Christmas in Cuba was something wonderful indeed! Fidel Castro Marxist political leader. Helped lead Cuban revolution. Served as president from People of Cuba lost civil liberties. Newspapers were tightly controlled. Castro’s method of control included executions and imprisonment.

History… Fidel Castro in 2015 Had surgery in 2006 and rumors are that his health is failing. Placed his brother Raul Castro in charge. Still very influential in Cuban government and politics.

History… For many years Christmas celebrations were frowned upon and in 1969 the Cuban government imposed an outright ban on this cherished holiday. Atheism became the law of the land.

History… Economic problems (food shortages, malnutrition, etc.)

1960s-1980s Many Cubans immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, converting Miami, Florida into a bilingual city.

They brought their Christmas traditions with them to Florida and many of these traditions are still prevalent there today.

Decorations For the decorations, think about greenery, or hibiscus blooms. Bongo drums, maracas, straw sombreros (not Mexican sombreros and definitely no Mexican sarapes) add to the setting.

Decorations

Parrandas Parrandas are street parties held in small towns. Began in the 18 th century. Comparable to a carnival. DlO_bRgm4

It is the night before Christmas, and all through the “towns” of Miami, in the hamlets of Hialeah, Sweetwater, Kendall, and Westchester, in backyards large and small, Cubans are carrying on the oldest and most cherished tradition of their homeland: the Noche Buena feast. For many, the biggest celebration of the year takes place on this Christmas Eve night, still celebrated in the traditional way with a huge party, dozens of friends, an extended family, and the main attraction: a whole roasted pig.

The women of the family have been working on this feast for days. They have shopped the local markets to purchase plantains, yuca, and sour oranges. The quest for the perfect plantain, one that is completely green and devoid of any spots, can itself consume several hours. The women have cleaned and re-cleaned their homes from top to bottom. They have spent hours in the kitchen preparing the desserts before the big day: large bowls of cascos, orange, guava, and grapefruit shells in sweet, heavy syrup; and baskets of buñuelos, fried sweet dough that is a must for Christmas.

Food- La Comida This includes the lechon asado (roasted pig), Moros y Cristianos (Black beans and rice), and plenty of Cuban cider to drink. The biggest tradition is to have a pig roast. The day before Christmas Eve, a pig would be selected, slaughtered, cleaned and would begin marinating for the cookout the roast the next day.

El lechon

Food- La Comida Let’s take a look at the main dish. (Notice the title of the video.) s

Food- La Comida Recipe for Cuban Flan la-reina-recipe/

France Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel

France Marie Joseph le bébé Jésus Let’s learn some French Christmas Words!

France les bergers l’agneau

France les rois

France le sapinPère Noël un cadeau un ange un renneun traîneau

France le bonhomme de neige Le bonhomme de neige Il est très joli et beau Il a deux yeux, un nez, et une bouche Et sur la tête un grand chapeau!

Netherlands Merry Christmas Zalig Kerstfeest

Netherlands The main Christmas celebration in the Netherlands is on St. Nicholas’ feast day which is 6 th December. Dutch people celebrate Sinterklaasavond which is like our Christmas Eve. Did you know? The name Santa Claus comes from the Dutch word for St. Nicholas – Sinterklaas.

Netherlands What do you think Dutch children leave instead of stockings for Sinterklaas to fill? On Sinterklaasavond children leave out their shoes in the hope that Sinterklaas will fill them with presents. They also leave a carrot with their shoes for Sinterklaas’ horse.

Germany Merry Christmas Fröliche Weihnachten

Germany German children also put their shoes out in the hopes that they will be filled with presents, just like Dutch children. If the children have been good when they come down on St. Nicholas’ Day their shoes will have been filled with sweets and chocolates. If the children have not been good then they might receive slaps by St. Nicholas’ companion Knecht Ruprecht.

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas was born during the 3 rd century, about 700 years ago. His parents were very wealthy and he was raised to be Christian. While St. Nicholas was still young both his parents died and left him all their money. Nicholas obeyed Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor’ and he used ALL the money his parents had left him to help the poor, the sick and the suffering. He dedicated his whole life to serving God and became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need and for his love for children. St. Nicholas St. Nicholas’ Day is celebrated in many countries around the world on 6th December every year.

(sung to the tune of 'Jingle Bells') Christmas bells All is well We're all having fun. Games and jokes and things to eat Joy to everyone. Oh, Christmas bells All is well We're all having fun. It's party time for the new-born babe And everyone's welcome.

Dear God, Thank you for fun, for getting together with friends and family. For presents and games and things to eat and drink. Thank you that you want us to celebrate and have fun at Christmas time. Thank you that we're all invited to the party. Amen.